How to Recycle after a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

A new kitchen tops the wish list of many homeowners. Up-to-date fixtures, gleaming appliances and color-coordinated counters and backsplashes make spending time in the kitchen a pleasure. A revamped kitchen also adds value to a home. Next on the list of most-wanted is often a bathroom remodel.

If you’re about to embark on a plumbing remodel, you’ll be ripping out lots of old items to make room for new things. Some of what you’ll be discarding is worth saving.

You can donate some plumbing fixtures, appliances and building materials. If items aren’t salvageable, you might be able to take them to a recycling facility.

Meticulous Plumbing recycles many materials when we remodel your kitchen or bathroom. We partner with other Portland businesses to reduce waste in Oregon’s landfills. Read more about our recycling practices.

How to Recycle after a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

When you donate functional items to a charitable organization, you’re doing a good turn for the environment and your community. You may also be eligible for a tax credit. Check with charities to learn what they accept. While you’re looking for places to give, remember to ask if the organization has a pick-up service.

Only donate items that are safe and in good condition. Before donating, inspect the item for damage. If it’s trash, dispose of it or recycle it. Bag or box things that have several pieces, such as shelves or door handles.

Here’s a list of items you can donate or recycle:

Plumbing Fixtures

Donate sinks and faucets if they’re in good shape. If you’re remodeling a bathroom, you can also give away a bathtub or toilet. While these fixtures should be in good condition, don’t underestimate the appeal of a vintage piece such as a clawfoot tub or pedestal sink.

Old porcelain can be repaired and cleaned. If an old sink or tub just requires cosmetic upgrades, it may be someone’s ideal fixer-upper. Porcelain and ceramics can also be crushed and recycled. For example and old toilet can be processed and mixed into concrete.

Pipes

Did you know that pipes are recyclable? Metal pipes, such as those made of copper and steel, don’t need to end up in the landfill. Even some plastic piping is recyclable. When we remove old pipes, we take them to a local recycler that uses eco-friendly practices.

Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are often removed during a remodel. If you’re careful when you take down cupboards, you can donate doors, hardware and cabinets. So many times a remodel is mainly about updating style. What doesn’t work for your kitchen may look great in another home. The same goes for bathroom vanities, shelves and storage. Donate these useful items and keep them out of the dumpster.

Appliances

It can be tricky to get rid of old appliances. Often they are out of date or near the end of their working life. If, however, you have appliances that in are good condition, some charitable organizations will take them off your hands. They may even come to your home to haul them away. You can sometimes donate stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.

If you’re buying new appliances, some merchants will take away your old ones and recycle them. Certain things, such as refrigerators and freezers, contain hazardous materials that must be disposed of responsibly.

Lumber, Tile, Flooring

If you’re changing everything in your kitchen or bathroom, you may end up with a pile of wood, tile, flooring and countertops. As long as these materials are in good condition, you can donate them. Remodelers sometimes demolish reusable wood and tile as they deconstruct a kitchen or bathroom. Where possible, however, try to keep materials in good shape as you remove them.

Be sure to check for nails, screws and sharp edges. Not all types of flooring can be recycled or reused. If you can’t donate or recycle, contact a salvage yard. They can often find a home for all sorts of random items. Visit the City of Portland’s website for a list of salvage yards in the metro area.

Lighting Fixtures

Fixtures are often in great shape and can easily be used by someone else. If you’re changing the look of your kitchen, you’ll most likely be installing new lighting to go with the updated decor. Carefully box the fixtures and place small pieces in a zip-lock bag. Tape the bag to the main part of the fixture.

Check with Good Will and the Salvation Army to see what materials they can use. If you’re disposing of an appliance, call the waste control department of your city or county to learn about their policies. Check with metal recyclers to see what they are can accept.

If you’re hiring a contractor or plumber for your remodel, ask about their recycling policies. It’s often simpler to let the professionals handle the details. At Meticulous Plumbing, we believe in the value of reusing and recycling.

Contact us to get started on your kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects.

The professionalism and personalism of this plumber was outstanding. On time, efficient, accurate and thorough! All of the plumbing looks great and works very well. I am certain this was an investment in the right company!